As soon as our client saw the space, she knew this was to be her home, says Francis Nicdao, principal designer and chief creative officer of the luxury interior design firm Pembrooke & Ives , describing his clients historic 1920s townhouse. The rare double-wide building was, at the time, the site of the 47th Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House, located on the Upper East Side of New York City. Nicdaos clients attended the legendary design event and immediately bought the entire building, putting a yearlong search for the perfect home to bed and starting up a gut renovation just as the Covid-19 pandemic began.Nicdao worked closely with Stephanie Sarkies-Schabot, the Pembrooke & Ivess managing director of decorating, to create a space where their clients could display their vast, museum-quality collection of art and antiques that didnt feel stuffy or untouchable. It needed to be a family home but with public spaces glamorous enough for entertaining, Sarkies-Schabot says. While she describes the experience as quite terrifying, thanks to the pandemic of it all, the end result is contemporary and clean with notes of traditional detailing that respect the buildings provenance and keeps its character intact.FAST FACTSDESIGNER: Francis Nicdao and Stephanie Sarkies-Schabot of Pembrooke & IvesLOCATION: New York CityTHE SPACE: A 1920s townhouse that served as the 47th Kips Bay Decorators Show HouseThe home is undoubtedly elegant but doesnt take itself too seriously.Related StoriesENTRYWAYCheckerboard marble flooring makes quite the first impression. Genevieve GarruppoTable: Michael Coffey from Maison Gerard. Stools: Haas Brothers.Though the clients had lived in apartments for many years, the transition to living vertically was something their family had to get used to. The spectacular spiral staircase connects five of the six levels of the home to create a dramatic focal point on each floor, Nicdao says. It was important to think about room adjacencies and the flow of spaces to ensure it was comfortable and suitable for this new way of living. LIVING ROOMGold accents add a glamorous edge to the soft color palette.Genevieve GarruppoLight fixture: Achille Salvagni Atelier. Couch: custom. Stools: Haas Brothers. Window treatment: custom, Holland & Sherry. Side table: Holly Hunt. Coffee table: Vincenzo de Cotiis from Carwan Gallery. Carpet: Beauvais Carpets. Since the home is twice as wide as a typical Upper East Side townhouse, the designers wanted this space to feel grand and impactful. So they leaned into its extra-large size, filling it with a beautiful collection of collectible design and art, Nicdao says.BREAKFAST & FAMILY ROOMAlso known as the hub of the home. Genevieve GarruppoCouch: custom. Coffee table: The Bright Group. Accent chairs: Richomme. A custom back-to-back sofa divides the space into dining and lounge areas.Genevieve GarruppoLight fixture: Salibello. Rug: Marc Phillip. Dining chairs: Kimberly Denman.American painter Ralph Goingss Toms Diner watches over the combined family and breakfast rooma fitting artwork for a place where meals are shared. This space also opens into the kitchen and features a rich layering of texture and hues of blue for a functional yet luxurious space, Sarkies-Schabot says.KITCHENThis highly functional space came with a great layout.Genevieve GarruppoLight fixture: John Salibello. Backsplash tile: Ann Sacks. Stools: Kimberly Denman.It was important that the kitchen be very easy to clean and maintain since it is on the entry floor of the home and likely one of the first spaces you will encounter, Nicdao says. They chose easily cleanable surfaces and designated ample counter space for prep work and dining. The blue island and barstools tie this space together with the adjacent breakfast room to create a cohesive experience, he adds. In terms of layout, the kitchen was the room with the least amount of intervention from the team.WINE CELLAR & WET BARThis wet bar is every hosts dream. Genevieve GarruppoGenevieve GarruppoJust because a room is on a basement level, it doesnt have to be drab! Sarkies-Schabot says of the wine cellar. The team used specialty lighting to illuminate this custom wine display.The wet bar is in the dining room on the first level, which is designed to turn into a full-floor entertaining space, Nicdao adds. With blue high-gloss paint and a mirrored backsplash, this custom built-in elevates the dining area. PRIMARY SUITEPink details add a feminine touch. Genevieve GarruppoPendant lights: custom, Erwan Boulloud. Bed frame: custom. Bedside table: Rune. Carpet: Stark Carpet.One of seven bedrooms in this double-wide townhouse, the primary suite is by far the dreamiest of them all. The layout of this bedroom is unique in that the bedroom connects to the walk-in closet and bathroom through a corridor of windows along the back facade, Sarkies-Schabot says. The natural light enhances the rooms dream-like glow.GUEST BEDROOMThe neutral color palette creates a relaxing retreat. Genevieve GarruppoLight fixture: Chameleon Lighting. Chair and ottoman: Caste. Lamp: Karl Kemp. Carpet: Holland & Sherry. This guest bedroom features plush carpeting, embroidered drapery, and a custom upholstered headboard against the backdrop of a high-gloss wall finish, Nicdao says. The matching chair and ottoman from Caste help make the room feel like a luxury hotel suite.BATHROOMA stunning chandelier steals the show. Genevieve GarruppoLight fixture: Mathieu Lustrerie. Sconces: Achille Salvagni.Sarkies-Schabot explains that they love to integrate decorative lighting in every project, and this one was no different, especially in the primary bathroom. In this home, the decorative lighting is the focal point of many of the rooms and establishes the personality of each space. These fixtures are not just about the quality of light but also about the artistic presence of the piece, she adds.Along with the light fixtures, this primary suite uses symmetry and stone detailing to make the space feel luxurious and modern. BACKYARD PATIOA place to unwind and escape the city noise. Genevieve GarruppoMural: Annie Morris. While the team had the help of contracting firm All City Remodeling for the interior, they looked to landscape designer Luciano Guibbilei for the backyard. Nicdao describes the patio area as a zen-like enclave in the bustling city, made up of approximately 1,500 square feet of garden and decorated with a mural by artist Annie Morris. About the DesignerFrancis Nicdao is the principal and chief creative officer of New Yorkbased luxury design firm Pembrooke & Ives. Raised in the Philippines, Nicdao was surrounded by a community known for its production of handcrafted furniture and artisanal goods, which helped form his creative eye and his passion for design. Having been with the firm for over a decade, Nicdao continues to create high-end residences and is credited as the mastermind behind many of its most extraordinary projects. SHOP THE SPACE E. Braun & Co. Lux Whipstitch Throw$2,750 at ebraunnewyork.comCole & Sons Cocktails Wallpaper358 at cole-and-son.comSchweitzer Linen Arezzo Sheet Set$740 at schweitzerlinen.comFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.